Key Takeaways:
When it comes to architecture and design, wood holds an undeniable charm and timeless beauty. Be it the flooring or exterior finishes, the visual charm and eco-friendliness of wood have made it one of the popular choices as a building material. However, even a plank of wood isn’t durable without exterior finishes.
Untreated wood can get damaged when exposed to sun, moisture, and other environmental factors. This is why exterior finishes have evolved to keep wood looking at its best. Let’s dive deep and understand the evolution from traditional to modern finishes to impart longevity to the material.
Modern homes embrace wood in decks, lawn furniture, panels, and sidings. Exterior finishes, like those offered by ICA Pidilite, serve as protective coatings, shielding the natural wood from moisture, UV rays, harsh weather, and other environmental stressors.
For instance, sunlight dries out wood, causing cracks and fading, while moisture can lead to rot or swelling. This is where the protective layer comes in.
Beyond its protective qualities, wood finishes enhance wood’s natural aesthetics by offering a smooth and polished surface.
Traditional building practices relied on several natural finishes to protect and beautify wood as a key component in construction. Let’s discover what are the different types of finishes that artisans traditionally used.
1. Oil-based Finishes:
Since wood’s natural oil tends to dry over time, oil finishes help the wood retain moisture. Traditionally, linseed, cedar, and tung oil have been used to impart glow and warmth.
2. Shellac:
Shellac is an eco-friendly finish derived from the lac bug’s natural wax, is traditionally used in fine woodwork to enhance the wood’s natural grain colour.
While these finishes impart unique aesthetics, they also come with limitations. For example, shellac is prone to scratches, while oil-based finishes demand re-coating over time. This is where modern finishes come into the picture.
Modern advancements in exterior finishes are all about addressing durability with superior protection and minimal maintenance.
1. Water-based Finishes
These are thin in consistency and impart a natural look while drying up easily. These eco-friendly solutions offer water resistance and protection from UV rays and exhibit anti-yellow properties.
For instance, ICA Pidilite’s Acquabella is a range of water-based exterior finishes that perfectly blend long-lasting beauty and durable protection.
2. Polyurethane (PU) Finishes
Polyurethane finishes exhibit exceptional durability, protecting wood from UV rays and moisture. It’s widely adopted as both outdoor and indoor wood treatment.
The advantage of PU finish is its excellent scratch and chemical resistance, making it a perfect solution for the elements subjected to harsh conditions.
Compared to traditional finishes, high-quality exterior finishes, like those offered by ICA Pidilite, are extremely durable. Available in varying degrees of gloss and matt, these exterior paint finishes can be clear or coloured. They also require much lower maintenance than traditional finishes, which quickly turn yellow.
ICA Pidilite offers a range of high-performance exterior finishes in 2300+ colours and varying levels of matt and gloss textures. A balanced combination of function and aesthetics, these finishes safeguard your wooden furniture from water, UV rays, scratches, and more.
These high-quality exterior finishes exemplify ICA Pidilite’s commitment to quality, offering solutions that meet your functional and aesthetic demands.
With ongoing advancements and sustainability becoming more of a necessity, eco-friendly practices with smart finishes and biodegradable options are on the horizon. As technology continues to evolve, it’s expected to further refine how we approach exterior finishes.
Whether you’re inspired by traditional charm or modern aesthetics, the right exterior finish can effortlessly elevate durability and timeless appeal. Prioritising modern solutions protects the wood while honouring eco-friendly practices.
For innovative solutions blending beauty with longevity, explore ICA Pidilite’s stunning and durable wood finishes, helping you craft stunning and long-lasting spaces.
